Questions and Answers
What does the Latin word 'religion' likely come from?
Religare which means to tie something tightly.
Why does Prothero think it's important to emphasize the differences among the world's religions?
He thinks it's important because grouping all religions together strips away individuality in belief, as well as differing conflicts and problems that cannot be unified.
What do all religions share in common according to Prothero?
They all deal with the condition of humanity and often share similar beginnings.
What is the 'insider/outsider' problem?
Signup and view all the answers
Name two categories of sacred lands described by Deloria.
Signup and view all the answers
What word does Deloria use to describe the religio-cultural attitude of Native American peoples?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Deloria mean by the 'struggle for dignity' in Indian spirituality?
Signup and view all the answers
In the Yoruba tradition, what is the Problem?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the name of the most commonly revered sacred text in Hinduism?
Signup and view all the answers
Briefly describe Jnana yoga.
Signup and view all the answers
What are three of the four aims of life in Hinduism?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the framework for Hinduism regarding the Problem, Solution/Goal, and Techniques/Path?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the tripartite confession in Buddhism refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What does emptiness mean in Buddhism?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the Tao represent in Taoism according to Prothero?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'wu wei' mean in Taoism?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the framework for Christianity regarding the Problem, Solution/Goal, and Techniques/Path?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the 'Five Pillars' of Islam?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of argument in Judaism?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Prothero describe Christianity as a 'soft monotheism'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'new religious movements' denote?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Origins of Religion
- The English term "religion" likely derives from the Latin word "religare," meaning to tie something tightly.
Approach to Understanding Religions
- Prothero emphasizes recognizing the differences among religions rather than commonalities to maintain their individuality and address unique issues.
Commonalities in Religions
- All religions address human conditions and often share similar beginnings despite differences.
Insider/Outsider Problem
- Insiders rely on personal experiences, while outsiders raise questions that introduce uncertainty.
Categories of Sacred Lands
- Deloria identifies sacred lands based on historical importance (e.g., battlefields) and divine events initiated by a higher power.
Native American Kinship
- The term "kinship" describes the Native American worldview, highlighting interconnectedness with people, land, and other life forms.
Struggle for Dignity
- Native Americans strive for dignity in relationships with family, earth, and community, viewing mutual honor and respect as central to their beliefs.
Yoruba Framework
- Problem: The gap between heaven and earth and memory of one’s destined path.
- Solution/Goal: Discovering one’s pre-birth destiny.
- Technique/Path: Utilization of divination and mediators (e.g., Babalawo).
Hindu Sacred Texts
- The "Vedas" are the most revered Hindu texts, integral to the order of early Hindu communities.
Disciplines of Yoga
- Jnana Yoga: Focuses on intellectual meditation and self-awareness for philosophical thinkers.
- Bhakti Yoga: Centers on devotion to God through repetitive meditation and loving worship practices.
Aims of Life in Hinduism
- The four aims of life include Kama (pleasure), Artha (prosperity), Dharma (duty), and Moksha (liberation).
Hindu Framework
- Problem: The cycle of life and rebirth (samsara).
- Solution/Goal: Spiritual liberation (moksha) through individual practices.
- Technique/Path: Personal worship and various forms of yoga.
Core Tenets of Buddhism
- The Four Noble Truths guide followers: life is suffering; desires create suffering; ending suffering is possible; there are methods to achieve this.
Three Refuges in Buddhism
- Buddhists seek refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Concept of Emptiness in Buddhism
- Emptiness represents the interconnectedness of all things and the potential to create meaningful existence.
Buddhism Framework
- Problem: Suffering.
- Solution/Goal: Achieving Nirvana.
- Technique/Path: Following the Eightfold Path and engaging in meditation.
Taoism and the Tao
- The Tao is the path back to nature and the universal energy that connects all existence.
Qi/Chi in Taoism
- "Qi/Chi" represents the energy of life flow within Taoist thought.
Wu Wei in Taoism
- "Wu wei" signifies aligning or going with the natural flow of life.
Taoism Framework
- Problem: Lifelessness.
- Solution/Goal: Live fully and joyfully.
- Technique/Path: Nurturing personal happiness and well-being.
Judaism as Religion and People
- Judaism is defined by the commitment of its people to ancestral laws and stories, emphasizing its community aspect.
Argument in Judaism
- Critical argumentation promotes knowledge of identity and truth, reflecting a dynamic engagement with sacred texts. This fosters a connection to historical identity as "Israelites."
Branch of Judaism: Orthodox Judaism
- Orthodox Judaism maintains traditional teachings and practices, retaining patriarchal elements and attire, emphasizing roots in a modern context.
Christian Theology: Soft Monotheism
- The Holy Trinity depicts God as one being in three forms: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, differentiating Christianity from stricter monotheistic views.
Hallowing Ordinary Things in Christianity
- Christianity emphasizes the sacredness of everyday life, particularly through the incarnation of Jesus.
Pentecostalism in Christianity
- Characterized by the "browning of Christianity," emphasizing experiential faith, including baptism in the Spirit and engagement with spiritual gifts.
Christianity Framework
- Problem: Sin.
- Solution/Goal: Repentance and salvation.
- Technique/Path: Faith and works.
Five Pillars of Islam
- Shihada: Declaration of faith.
- Salah: Prayers five times daily.
- Zakah: Charitable giving.
- Soum: Fasting during Ramadan.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Together, these pillars unify Muslims in shared beliefs and practices.
Lenses for Understanding Islam
- The Quran, Allah, and Muhammad serve as foundational concepts for viewing the world from an Islamic perspective.
Qur'an Definition
- Muslims view the Qur'an as God’s last revelation, providing guidance and affirming their faith's sacredness.
Islam Framework
- Problem: Self-sufficiency.
- Solution/Goal: Achieving inner peace.
- Technique/Path: The Five Pillars and adherence to faith.
New Religious Movements
- This term refers to religions emerging after the 18th century marked by their size, longevity, and cultural significance.
Baha'i Principle
- The fundamental principle asserts that truth is relative, emphasizing the oneness of God and subjective understanding of beliefs.
Sacred Text in Latter-day Saints
- The Book of Mormon asserts Jesus appeared to people in the Americas post-resurrection, urging the establishment of a new church.
Healing in Christian Science
- Based on a dualistic principle dividing physical (harmful) and spiritual (beneficial) healing.
Christianity's Soft Monotheism
- The doctrine of incarnation emphasizes God’s human manifestation in Christ, contrasting with more rigid religious depictions of deity.
Features of New Religious Movements
- Originated since the early 19th century, these movements exhibit significant size, enduring presence, and cultural influence.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores fundamental concepts and definitions related to religion, delving into linguistic origins and specific viewpoints on world religions. It is based on readings from notable texts, including McCutcheon's analysis and Prothero's 'God is Not One'.